Oud is the general term given to the perfume oil extracted, using a variety of techniques, from the wood of the Agarwood tree. Oud oil has been previously discussed in detail in our previous blog here.

Bakhoor is basically a woodchip which has been submerged in perfumed oil and mixed with other natural ingredients such as resin, sandalwood essential oils among others depending on an individual’s preference. These scented chips are mostly burned on charcoal or using an electric incense burner to perfume the rich fragrance produced in form of thick smoke. In most cases, this fragrance is used during special occasions such as weddings, love-centered occasions or during relaxing moments. In the Arabian culture, it is a traditional gesture to pass Bukhoor among the invited guests as it was viewed to be a hospitality gesture. Additionally, the guests would feel the warm welcome in that homestead through the fragrance produced.

Muattar or Mamool are terms used to refer specifically to chips of agarwood that are then soaked in fragrant oils. Mabsoos/Mabthooth is a specific term for when shavings of agarwood are also used and soaked in fragrant oils. However, the term bakhoor encompasses muattar, mamool and mabthooth.